Terry Klein

Terry Klein is a performing songwriter, yes, but he’s also worked in factories, in hospitals, as a political operative, and tried cases as a lawyer in state and federal courts. He’s lived on both coasts and lots of places in between and been to 49 of the 50 United States. He reads a lot and he likes to go to art museums. He watches sports when he can, though he’s a little furtive about that. In his writing and on stage he attempts to mollify a relentless inner voice that says mean, unforgiving things to himself that he’d never say to anyone else ever.  

Terry’s made three records. The first two, Great Northern and Tex, were produced by Texas folk hero Walt Wilkins in Austin, Texas and garnered praise from Mary Gauthier and Rodney Crowell and press and radio outlets across the United States and Europe.  

For his third album, Terry went to Nashville and worked with producer and multi-instrumentalist Thomm Jutz. Recorded over a few breakneck days in October 2021, it’s called Good Luck, Take Care and it’s a raw, visceral departure from the work he’s done before. Ten dynamic songs that take hold from the first measure, knock you off balance, and won’t let go without a fight.  

The Austin American-Statesman calls Terry “one of Austin's top singer-songwriters in recent years.” Glide Magazine says that “Klein sings with a trusted gravitas and polished reflection reminiscent of Guy Clark and Steve Earle.” No Depression says Good Luck, Take Care "has a knack for telling poetic stories in songs about the sad, funny, ironic, and devastating ups and downs of our lives" and American Songwriter says it "conveys honesty and emotion that gives the listener a clear connection." Americana UK called it “an exceptional set of songs, drawing comparisons with some of the great lyricists of Americana, notably Guy Clark, Mary Gauthier and Rodney Crowell.” The record appeared on Robert Christgau's 2022 "Dean's List." 

Terry has played in some of the most hallowed rooms in the singer-songwriter business: Club Passim, The Bluebird, The Saxon Pub, and Anderson Fair, to name a few. He’s played sets at the Blanco River Songwriters Festival, the Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, the Hotel Turkey Songwriters Festival, and the Montrose Music Festival. Before all that, a couple of lifetimes ago, he played in a heavy metal band in Los Angeles, thrashing around on the grimy, storied stages like the Troubadour and the Whiskey A Go Go.  

Terry has two daughters who are measurably, demonstrably smarter than he is (and gaining ground every day). He’s married to noted badass Lindsay Sobel. They all live in Austin, Texas. 

Here's what folks are saying about Terry Klein:

"Terry Klein has the poet’s heart and it's very much in evidence on his brand new collection of songs." 
--Rodney Crowell 

"Terry Klein’s songs bring me into his world, they make the crossing from one heart to another with ease. 'Better Luck Next Time' could have been written by Springsteen, Van Zandt, or Earle. But, no, this amazing song came from the guitar of a wonderful new voice in songwriting -- Terry Klein. Close your eyes, give a listen, and let his songs take you on a ride. It’s a beautiful journey." 
--Mary Gauthier 

"When I heard the songs on Great Northern for the first time, I was floored. I knew I was hearing a true songwriter, and a true craftsman. These songs deal with real moments, elements, depths of the human spirit. The songs here still move me. Welcome a strong collection of songs and a new clear, bold voice.” 
--Walt Wilkins